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Philemon (1-2): "Early Christians built no large churches or cathedrals. Instead they met in homes for worship and sharing. Based on the size of homes in 1st century cities, meetings must have accommodated a very limited number of people. Yet as Paul's letters show, there was a sense of identity with the greater body of believers who lived in the city, and beyond that, with believers throughout the world. The way of loving one another learned in the "small group" New Testament church, carried over into the way Christians related to one another at every level." L.O. Richards - The Bible Readers Companion - Victor Books USA. Canada. England
There is sacrifice and responsibility on the part of all the family when their house is one set apart for the assembly of God's people. It can mean the surrender of some home comforts; even the spoiling of possessions - and being open house at all hours in serving others can mean the loss of rights and personal privacy. Such sacrifice is pleasing to God:

* BECAUSE it shows true love for Him, and obedience (1 John 4:19; 1 John 5:1-2; John 14:21,23 ).
* BECAUSE it expresses a desire to follow God wholeheartedly (1 Chronicles 22:19; Exodus 35:21 ).
* BECAUSE it shows that following Jesus is not necessarily easy or comfortable (Matthew 8:19-20 TLB ).
* BECAUSE it indicates a willingness to give up anything the Lord may ask of you (1 Corinthians 10:24; Matthew 5:42 ).
* BECAUSE it declares real love for the people of God (1 John 4:21; John 13:35 ).
* BECAUSE it reveals personal delight in getting physically involved in God's good, pleasing, and perfect plans for you (Romans 12:1-2 ).

Some, unlike Paul and Philemon, avoid friendship, opting for distancing themselves in fear of a familiarity that might bring contempt for their leadership. That is not the Jesus way - even in the most personal times of crises Jesus had disciples with him, and was open before them (Matthew 17:1-2; Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 5:7-9 ). Jesus did not treat His own as servants but as friends. He shared His heart with them (John 15:14-15 ). Leadership that is Christlike will be vulnerable to followers, in real self-sacrificing friendship (John 15:13 ). Such leadership will express itself in loyalty, love and support (Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24 ). In true friendship they will comfort and encourage (3 John 5 ). May the designation "dear friend" in the truest sense be common among us.

Source: http://www.4-11.org/books/philemon/phe02.html